Bark Park Etiquette

While many dog owners greatly enjoy taking their furry friends to the Bentonville Bark Park, I have met some that are wary of the experience.  This is often because they have not gone before or are nervous of how their dog will act.

Dogs are pack animals, they love to socialize and play, and a dog park is a great way to socialize and exercise your dog.  A couple pieces of advice.

1.  Watch your dog at all times.  Be aware of the other dogs s/he is interacting with.  Most dogs just want to play, but sometimes a couple of "alpha" type dogs won't back down to each other.  Note if you see any interactions like that and watch your pet carefully when with those dogs.

Kora the Blue Heeler

2.  Encourage your dog to "check-in".  Freya is wonderfully social and submissive to other dogs, and so I don't worry about her scampering to the other end of the yard.  However I will call her every couple of minutes back to me.  This is a great training moment as I am able to teach her to obey the "COME" with great distraction all around.  (Because Freya is part Australian Shepherd, she also does this instinctively with me as she is aware that I am her "ward or herd", it may be harder to train other breeds to do this.)
3.  Chat with other owners!  This is a social exercise for you too!  People love to talk about their dogs and it's easy to strike up a conversation with strangers in a safe environment.
4.  Note when your dog is tiring.  Tell tale signs: lying down, overly barking, getting testy with other dogs, sitting by you.  These things all mean it is time to go home.

One of Freya's special friends, Kora does not get on well with other dogs.  She is a Blue Heeler and is very attached to her owner, thinking she must defend her at all costs!  My friend is trying to work with Kora on this and has taken her to the dog park to help socialize her.  Kora is kept on the leash at all times and is praised when she lets other dogs and people sniff or pet her.  With time, we hope that she will get friendlier with other dogs and eventually be allowed off the leash in a controlled setting.

Don't miss another exciting opportunity to socialize your dog in downtown Bentonville with upcoming First Fridays and Farmers Markets!  Special "Dog Days of Summer" Farmers Market on May 19, 2012.

Culture Bit: Bentonville Farmer's Market

The Bentonville Farmers Market is a wonderful Saturday morning treat.  I was excited to go to the final market day of the season.  The fall foliage was definitely at it's peak this past weekend, and the market was bathed in that beautiful golden light I love so much.

This year the Farmers Market had several programs happening to close out the season.  Several vendors were handing out candy for children (and dogs) who were shopping in costume.  The Market also had a campaign "Leave No Vegetable Behind" which had been featured in the local newspaper the day before.  

This movement challenged community members and local restaurants to buy out the Farmers Market produce and send the Farmers home with an empty truck.  I loved the idea of not just supporting a market but also showing your support for the farmers and reducing produce waste.  (How odd that just after this weekend there was the announcement of 7 billion people now residing on this Earth.)

Customers have been thrilled this past season by the new offerings at market including: fresh local cheese, hand milled soap, wood turned products, a variety of baked goods, dog treats, roasted nuts, and more.

Northwest Arkansas may not be known nationally for its food, but the growing season is long and there was a huge diversity of produce.  A large variety of apples were for sale including the native "Arkansas Black" variety.  There is also a large Asian demographic in the area and one can purchase fresh bok choy as well as spicy peppers throughout most of the season.  I took advantage of the butternut squash sale and am excited to make a soup from my favorite recipe blog.  

The Bentonville Farmers Market is organized and produced by Downtown Bentonville, Inc.  This nonprofit organization works in conjunction with the City of Bentonville, Bentonville Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, and many other entities to produce public and private community events throughout the year.

The  Market has gone through some huge changes over the past couple years and sales grew 270% over the past four seasons.  This is due largely because of the attention paid to detail by DBI and increased community awareness.    Additionally, the downtown association focuses energy on urban development and renewal work in the area.

For more information or questions about Downtown Bentonville, Inc. and their programs: info@downtownbentonville.org
www.downtownbentonville.org

UPDATE:  Bentonville was ranked one of the "Hottest Travel Destinations of 2012" by Travel & Leisure Magazine, the only place located in the USA of the top 12!